We really move at such a fast clip that I have no time to write updates.  So, here’s a little catch up on what’s been happening on this “Feeding Your Faith Pilgrimage”.   I guess that would make it Days 3 and 4.

I think I left off at our departure from Lourdes to visit a castle to Carcassone and then to Avignong.  This castle provided a spiritual understanding of Jesus is as our King and our Shepherd.  We discussed that there are a few ways that a King gains subjects:  by protecting the people, by ensuring the people will have food, and by inspiring them to believe in his leadership.  That is so true for us, as we are all part of Christ’s Kingdom.  

The castle of Carcassone is absolutely beautiful.  While it rained like cats and dogs, we survived it all enough to really enjoy the view of this truly medieval structure.

While in this lovely little city, our guide showed me around the town and described how the most important part of the kingdom was making sure there was a water source.  This little well situated itself perfectly in the center of tables of a little outdoor restaurant.  It was too early for lunch, but I was so tempted to just sit there and order a glass of sparking water and just meditate on (1) how Christ is our source of eternal springs, and (2) just how cool it would have been to live in this castle – even for just one day!

Of course the center of the city, as in all medieval cities, was the church:  The gothic qualities of this beautiful church gave the real sense of how “noble” we are called to be since we are all God’s children invited to his sacred banquet.  The statues were old, the church’s lines were inspiring, and everything from the facade to the interior spoke of the majesty of our faith!

Statue of St. Ann, mother of the Virgin Mary (14th century – Cathedral of Carcassone)

Interior of Carcassone Cathedral – France

 

 Exterior of Carcassone, France. Notice the little gargoyles jetting out from the cathedral walls!

The rain, while it definitely reduced the enjoyment of this visit, didn’t dampen the beauty.  But, we eventually boarded the bus for a bus ride to the city of the Pope – Avignon, where I had the chance to celebrate Mass in the Cathedral of Notre Dame, and particularly in the chapel where the Avignon Popes celebrated Mass for about 122 years during the Roman Papacy’s exile.

The Mass at Notre Dame’s cathedral however was by God’s pure providence.  It so happened that we had Mass originally scheduled at San Pierre’s (St. Peter’s Church), but the sacristan didn’t show up!  Instead, God had something even better planned for our group!  Mass at this private altar of the Avignon Popes!And, another gift of Providence:  While we were waiting for the church of San Pierre to open (which it finally did open and it even had adoration of the Blessed Sacrament), I had a chance to scope out a restaurant for lunch.  I found the perfect place.  It was SO INCREDIBLY FRENCH! Even the business cards that the young wait staff are holding in this picture is so very “cleverly French” as it’s shaped like a tomato!

I was told the restaurant owner of the L’epicerie, 10 Place Saint Pierre (tel 04.90.82.74.22), Avignon, goes out to the market each day to find the freshest meats, seafood, and produce.  And, since I was in France, I had to try their Froie Gras, which was perfectly seared, and placed on top of a baked apple tart, served with Romaine lettuce dressed in a vinaigrette, as well as an individual serving of potato au gratin, like I never had before!  It was tres bon!

It was also so very perfect because it was filling enough to make me sleepy for the bus ride to Nice, France – our next stop.  But as we boarded the bus, I thought to myself that I should like to return to this city that has so much history and culture.  It was confirmed that I would return when I saw the sign, right next to our bus!  My French Language ability is pretty bad, but I do know the big orange sign says, “We Want Our Leo!”… The rest of it doesn’t really matter!

So, Avignon, even though the popes have left this great city, the Catholic Faith still remains! And, so will our happy memories of this beautiful city of Popes, culture, music, food and FAITH!

 

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